The Classic Chinese Qipao—immortal Beauty

By Author: ama chen
Total Articles: 2
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There is a legend that a young fisherwoman lived by the Jingbo Lake，who was beautiful and skillful. But when fishing, she often felt hindered by her long dress. Then an idea struck her: why not make a more practical dress for work. She got down to sewing and producing a long multi looped button gown with slits, which enabled her to tuck in the front piece of her dress, thus making her job much easier.
The young emperor who ruledChinaat that time had a dream one night. In the dream, his dead father told him that a lovely fisherwoman in Qipao by theJingboLakewould become his queen. After awakening from his deep sleep, the emperor sent his men to look for her. So she became the queen, bringing her Cheongsam with her. Manchu women all followed suit and soon the Chinese Qipao became popular.
We are not sure if the story is true. But one thing is certain: the Cheongsam came from the Munches who grew out of ancient Nuzhen tribes. Manchu women typically wore a one-piece dress that came to be known as the Chinese qipao.
Over the years, a collarless, tube shaped gown was developed, which was worn by both men and ...
... women. That is the embryo of the cheongsam. The Chinese Qipao became popular among ladies of the royal family in the ,. At that time, cheongsam was fitted loosely and was so long that they would reach the insteps. Usually, they were made of silk and the whole dress was embroidered, with broad lace trimmed at the collar, sleeves and edges.
In the 1920s, cheongsam became popular all over the cuontry. With the influence of Western dress styles, the Chinese cheongsam underwent a change. The cuffs grew narrower and were usually trimmed with thin lace. The length of the dress was shortened as well. This new adaptation allowed the beauty of female body to be fully displayed.
In the 1930s, wearing a qipao dress became a fashion among women in the whole ofChina. Various styles existed during this period. Some were short; some were long, with low, high or even no collars at all.
Starting from the 1940s,Chinese cheongsam became closer-fitting and more practical. In summer, women wore sleeveless dresses. Qipao of this period was seldom adorned with patterns.
The chinese Qipao became standard female attire until the 1960s. Following Western fashion, the tailors raised the hem, even to above the knee.But qipao still remains a vibrant part of Chinese culture.